Gov. Bentley Says State Has Few Options In Mill Closing

Gov. Robert Bentley says the state is continuing to talk with International Paper about the future of its Lawrence County facility.

Credit The Associated Press

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said that the state is continuing to talk with International Paper about the future of its Lawrence County facility. However, company officials haven't indicated that there's anything the state can do to keep the 1,100-employee plant open.

International Paper announced last week that it will close the north Alabama mill because of declining demand, a move that will affect more than 1,100 jobs in the Tennessee Valley.

The Memphis, Tenn.-based company said the plant in Courtland will shut down by early 2014.

Bentley said the state wouldn't be able to quickly offer the company anything without approval from the Legislature, which doesn't meet until January.

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International Paper says it is closing a mill in north Alabama, a move that will affect 1,100 jobs. The Memphis, Tenn.-based, company said Wednesday the plant in Courtland will shut down by early 2014.

The mill makes a type of paper that's used in magazines, forms, copiers and printers. International Paper says demand is down as customers switch to online publications and electronic billing and record-keeping.

International Paper spokesman Tim Nicholls says in a statement the company looked at different options for the plant. But it decided a permanent shutdown was best.